Devine Scripture

Matthew 5:28

What does Matthew 5:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 5:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 5:28 means

Jesus radically expands the definition of adultery, revealing God's standard beyond the physical act to encompass the heart's intentions. He declares that merely looking at a woman with lustful intent constitutes adultery already committed in the heart. This teaching reveals that sin originates in the inner desires and thoughts, challenging a superficial righteousness that only abstains from external wrongdoing. God demands purity of heart, not just outward conformity.

Matthew 5:28 in context

Matthew 5 — The Beatitudes

Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with eight pronouncements that turn the world's value system upside down. Blessing belongs not to the proud and self-sufficient but to the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. In a few sentences he sketches the character of the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and then calls them salt of the earth and light of the world.

  • Kingdom ethics
  • Inner righteousness
  • True blessedness
  • Light and salt

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say to you that everyone whose eyes are turned on a woman with desire has had connection with her in his heart.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but I--I say to you, that every one who is looking on a woman to desire her, did already commit adultery with her in his heart.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I say to you, that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I say unto you, that every one who looks upon a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Context

This verse delivers Jesus' profound reinterpretation of the commandment against adultery, expanding it to include the heart's desire, contrasting sharply with the traditional, external view presented in verse 27. This challenging standard sets the stage for the severe commands regarding self-denial in the following verses, emphasizing the absolute necessity of inner purity.

v.27Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

v.28This passage

v.29And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 2:14

    having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;

  • 1 John 2:16

    For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

  • James 1:14

    but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.

  • Proverbs 6:25

    Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; Neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

  • Matthew 7:28

    And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:

  • Romans 7:14

    For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:28

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What Matthew 5:28 teaches us about kingdom ethics

  • What Matthew 5:28 teaches us about inner righteousness

  • What Matthew 5:28 teaches us about true blessedness

  • What Matthew 5:28 teaches us about light and salt

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